Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has accused production house Yashraj Films of forcing distributors and theatres to promote its films over others, a news report said Friday.
Devgn sent a legal notice to Yashraj accusing it of pressuring exhibitors to promote its newest film “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” over Devgn’s latest film “Son of Sardaar,” according to the Hindustan Times newspaper.
Both films will be released on November 13 to coincide with Diwali.
Earlier news reports have said that Devgn’s legal complaint alleges that Yashraj sold rights to its earlier film “Ek Tha Tiger” on the agreement that theater owners would promote their Diwali release more aggressively than other films releasing at the same time.
“Jab Tak Hai Jaan” stars Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and is the last film directed by Yash Chopra, the producer and director who established Yashraj Films. Chopra died last month.
Devgn, who is known for both comic and action roles, is also the producer of his film. He is married to actress Kajol, who has played the romantic lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in several films. Kajol, who goes by one name, and Khan acted together in Yashraj’s iconic love story “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.”
Devgn and Yashraj could not be reached for comment.
One distributor told the Hindustan Times that Devgn was wasting his time. “YRF didn’t force distributors, they just offered a choice,” distributor Joginder Mahajan said.
Both films have splashed out on glitzy promotional events and trailers ahead of their release next week.
